Steve Russell
Verified
Covers:
Pop Culture, Movies, TV shows, Anime, Tech, Video Games, Pro Wrestling, MMA
Writing Ronin & Amazon Bestselling Author // InDIY Heart // BJJ Black Beltatron // Cap Connoisseur // 📖: Evolution (Pre-order now!) // Burden // Steen
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing for a now defunct video games website. That gig allowed me to cut my teeth with news reporting, reviews, and live event coverage.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, but I'd love to own one for decorative purposes. Probably with a few Resident Evil themed Ink Ribbons next to it.
How is social media changing news?
Immediate connectivity with an engaged audience—the danger, of course, being the wildfire that is misinformation amongst the uninformed.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I want to say Ron Burgundy. Can I say Ron Burgundy?
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being able to connect people to the latest information on subjects they are passionate about is a great honour as a writer and fellow fan.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
There have been so many over the years, I can't really think of one that stands out.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
E-mail me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Twitter is also a good way to go, if you're more comfortable with that.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
iMac and iPad Pro powered with iCloud syncing, ensuring everything is where I need it to be.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter. The fact you have to self-edit and hone your point to a limited character count is always a great writing challenge!
Who do you wish followed you?
Kevin Smith, probably.
Why did you become a journalist?
To be able to report, engage, and analyse the layered, connective aspects of pop culture that helped shape me.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Unfortunately, my high school didn't have a newspaper to contribute to, so I sadly missed out on any early J. Jonah Jameson experiences.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I'm particularly proud of a series of featured opinion pieces I wrote for a pro wrestling website that, sadly, no longer exists.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Find a niche. Make your thoughts and writing on that subject unique, insightful, and engaging—your voice is your currency, after all.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime via e-mail is fine. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I'll let you know when I get it.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I'll let you know when I receive it. I've been pretty lucky so far.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee. Black. Hopefully it's not a reflection on me that I like it to be bold and bitter.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Honestly? Most probably on the mats training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, implementing the BJJ philosophy that there is no losing, only learning.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I tend to frequent Gizmodo, Kotaku, and MacRumors. I also enjoy reading Empire magazine for interviews and features on upcoming movies.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That pro wrestling isn't considered worthy of wider coverage outside of its defined hardcore audience.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.